16 May 2025 Murder Homicide >> Criminal Law  

The Supreme Court has overturned the Punjab and Haryana High Court's decision to grant regular bail to two accused individuals, Mandeep Singh alias Bhoda and Narinder Kumar alias Nindi, in a murder case (FIR No. 30 dated 22.03.2023). The High Court's order, dated November 14, 2024, had set aside the Trial Court's refusal to grant bail.

The case stems from a complaint filed by a crusher owner who alleged that the respondents, along with 7-8 others, trespassed on his land, used abusive language, and attacked him and his companions. The complainant's driver, Anil (now deceased), was severely injured after being rammed by the respondents' vehicle and then attacked with wooden sticks. The victim later died.

The respondents were arrested on March 23, 2023, and have been in judicial custody since. While a charge sheet and a supplementary charge sheet were filed, the trial proceedings were stayed by the High Court in a separate quashing petition filed by the respondents.

The Supreme Court noted that the Trial Court had correctly denied bail, considering that accused No. 1 is a habitual offender with eight other criminal cases against him, and given the gravity and heinous nature of the crime. The High Court's reasoning for granting bail was found to be "cryptic."

The apex court observed that while the accused claimed to have taken the injured victim to the hospital, he was declared brought dead, and this act doesn't absolve them of the initial offense. The Supreme Court emphasized that granting bail while the trial itself is stayed creates an incongruous situation.

Consequently, the Supreme Court has set aside the High Court's order, restoring the Sessions Court's decision to deny bail. The respondents have been directed to surrender before the Jurisdictional Magistrate or the concerned Police Station by June 16, 2025. Failure to do so will result in their arrest. Additionally, they are required to deposit their passports at the Police Station, Nangal, by May 19, 2025.